William O’Rourke Shatters New Zealand’s Test Bowling Record with Stunning Figures

During South Africa’s second innings on Thursday, O’Rourke secured five crucial wickets, sealing his record-breaking figures. This achievement surpasses the previous record held by Mark Craig (8/188) since June 2014.

The turning point came on a topsy-turvy day at Seddon Park when David Bedingham‘s century threatened to shift the game in South Africa’s favor. However, O’Rourke’s exceptional bowling, including the dismissal of Bedingham for an impressive 110, triggered a late collapse of 6/33. As a result, South Africa was bowled out for 235 in their second innings, setting New Zealand a target of 267 for victory.

O’Rourke’s intervention proved crucial, as Bedingham and Keegan Petersen (43) had put South Africa in a commanding position at 102/4 with a 98-run stand. However, O’Rourke, backed by all-rounder Glenn Phillips (2/50), secured a trio of late wickets, shifting the momentum in favor of New Zealand heading into the fourth day on Friday.